Knox solicits an expert to provide one of many estimates for the cost of constructing frigates of various tonnage for Navy. Foster notes that Knox may be a better judge of the cost of the guns and the warlike stores. Recommends that timber be cut in the fall of the year of construction.

Captain Sedam has indicated that the second brig will not be ready to sail for several days. Pickering considers Sedam a dull sailor and wonders why, if there is a liklihood of delay, the first brig could not sail on a fine day such as today.

Letter to the Secretary of Treasury stating that the sail cloth manufactured in Boston is to be preferred imported sail cloth from Europe. The writer states that Boston manufactured cloth is less liable to mildew, owing to the sizing which in America is made from animal substances and not as is common in Europe from vegetables.

John Murray laments that he has stood by the dying beds of many who were called away. The truth is both B. and Murray are cowards. He was afraid to stay and Murray was afraid to run away. He thought it was his duty to go and Murray thought it was his duty to stay so both are a good sort of folks. Murray admits that for a number of years he has been willing to die because he longs to leave the...